Insoles for High Arches
Understanding the condition and protecting your feet
High arches, also known as pes cavus, are a foot type where the arch of the foot remains raised even when standing or walking. While some people naturally have higher arches without discomfort, others experience ongoing pain and instability because the foot does not absorb shock effectively. Over time, high arches can lead to a range of foot and lower limb problems if not properly supported.
What Causes High Arches?
High arches can be inherited, meaning they run in families, but they are also commonly linked to neurological or muscle-related conditions that affect how the foot moves and bears weight. In people with pes cavus, weight is often concentrated on the heel and the ball of the foot rather than being evenly distributed across the sole.
Because the foot is more rigid, it does not roll inward naturally during walking. This reduces shock absorption and increases stress on the joints, muscles, and bones of the foot and lower limbs.
Common Symptoms of High Arches
People with high arches may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Heel and forefoot pain
- Frequent ankle sprains due to instability
- Calluses under the ball of the foot or heel
- Arch pain or cramping
- Fatigue when standing or walking
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain caused by poor shock absorption
Symptoms may become worse with high-impact activities such as running or prolonged standing.
How High Arches Affect Overall Foot Health
Because high arches limit the foot's ability to adapt to the ground, the body absorbs more force with every step. This extra stress can increase the risk of injuries such as stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and ankle instability. Over time, repeated strain may contribute to joint wear and chronic pain.
Without proper support, people with high arches may unconsciously change how they walk to avoid discomfort, which can create further imbalance throughout the body.
How Custom Insoles Can Help With High Arches
Custom-made insoles are one of the most effective ways to support people with high arches. Unlike generic inserts, custom insoles are designed specifically for an individual's foot shape, pressure points, and walking pattern.
Custom insoles provide targeted arch support and cushioning, helping to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot. This reduces excessive loading on the heel and forefoot while improving shock absorption. By increasing stability, insoles also help reduce the risk of ankle sprains and overuse injuries.
With better alignment and reduced strain, custom-made insoles can relieve existing pain, support daily activities, and help prevent injuries and degenerative conditions linked to long-term stress on the feet and joints. For people with high arches, consistent support can improve comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life, keeping them active and moving safely.
Recommended Custom Insole Specifications
- Foot demands: Shock absorption, pressure relief
- Typical shoe style: Trainers, casual shoes
- Shoe space required: Medium–high
- Custom insole type: Accommodative
- EVA density: Medium
- Insole length: Sulcus or full*
- Heel cup depth: 15–20mm*
- Extensions: Poron
- Middle layer: 3mm Poron
- Top cover: EVA or microfibre*
- Design focus: Cushioning, pressure reduction
General guidance for selecting a custom insole
For Achilles Tendonitis
These are general best-practice guidelines and the most commonly recommended custom insole features. Final prescriptions should always be individualised. We recommend seeking professional advice and guidance where symptoms, medical conditions or complex demands are present.
- Insole length: Select full foot if the current insole can be removed from your footwear.
- Heel cup Depth: select 20mm if you want more stability.
- Top cover: EVA is easier to clean than microfibre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear, helpful answers to common questions about our custom orthotics, fitting process, materials, benefits, care, warranties, and more to support your foot health and comfort.
How do I order bespoke custom-made orthotic insoles?
Simply purchase our Bespoke Insole Kit. We’ll guide you through taking accurate foot impressions at home, then hand-craft your custom insoles in our workshop and post them back to you.
How can custom insoles help with everyday working life?
Custom insoles from Mark Smith Orthotics provide tailored support that reduces foot fatigue, eases lower back and hip strain, and helps you stay comfortable and pain-free throughout long working days.
How can I choose the most appropriate custom-made insole for my specific activity or sport?
We design every pair specifically for you. Simply tell us your sport or daily activities, and we’ll craft insoles that deliver the exact support, cushioning and stability you need.
Why do my feet hurt, and how can custom-made insoles help?
Your feet hurt due to poor biomechanics, flat arches, or uneven leg length, which strain muscles and joints. Our custom-made insoles correct alignment, support your unique foot shape, relieve pressure, and restore pain-free movement.
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"Before, my feet hurt while hiking, gardening and caring for the horses and home. After seeing Mark Smith Orthotics, I can walk for longer distances without pain."
Val Bell
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet. Now, I am pain-free, and can move without lower back pain and can walk further and faster."
Tom Cartner
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"Mark Smith Orthotics have now become indispensable by correcting my posture, straightening my hips, dramatically reducing pain during daily activities and exercise, and providing surprising relief that has transformed my workflow."
Mark Freeman
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"I chose Mark Smith Orthotics over other options because of his highly professional approach, the time he dedicates, and the excellent quality of his work."
Tayyab Talu
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"I have experienced a significant enhancement in daily comfort, a substantial reduction in pain, and unexpectedly straightforward ease of use, making these custom orthotics indispensable."
N. Douglas
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet and sometimes lower back pain because I also had one leg slightly longer than the other. Now, I am pain-free and can walk further and faster!"
Tom Carr
